Monday, January 17, 2011

In honor of today’s USA holiday marking the birthday (January 15, 1929) of Martin Luther King, Jr., a short quotation – one that references, briefly but acutely, reading and poets – from King’s essay/sermon, “The Man Who Was A Fool,” published in his collection Strength To Love (New York, Harper & Row, 1963):

. . . He may have had the great books of the ages shelved neatly in his library, but he never read them. He may have had access to great music, but he did not listen. His eyes did not behold the majestic splendor of the skies. His ears were not attuned to the melodious sweetness of heavenly music. His mind was closed to the insights of poets, prophets, and philosophers. His title was justly merited – “Thou fool!”